'Blame' Is Best Word

July 8, 1986

KUDOS TO the Sentinel and other news media for changing one word in reporting terrorist activity. Not too many years ago, the media said that ''xyz'' terrorist group takes ''credit'' for the death and destruction that it caused. Now the Sentinel and others report that the group takes ''responsibility'' for the results of its behavior.

''Credit'' is a desirable noun and encouraged others to follow suit.'' Responsibility'' is at best a relatively neutral term and does not really say whether the action was justified or not.

Please consider going one step further by changing the key word as in takes ''blame'' for the action and its results. That word says that the action was reprehensible and not to be emulated.